If you haven’t shopped at a Smith’s Food and Drug store lately, there are a lot of new and exciting things going on!

Shorter checkout lines:

Since Smith’s launched their infrared technology “QueVision” 18 months ago, the average wait time at checkout has gone down from about four minutes to 28 seconds. QueVision is a system of infrared scanners that get a sense of where customers are in the store, and tells the checkers how many checkers they need right now, and how many they are going to need in five and 15 minutes.

The new, lower prices are reflected on price tags throughout the store.

Lower prices:

Smith’s has also dropped many of their prices. You can see the price change directly on the price tags, which reflect the new lower prices and tell you what it dropped down from. You can view their weekly ad online.

Mobile App:

Using the Smith’s mobile app, you can scan your card onto the app and use that at checkout instead of your rewards card. You can also create a grocery list, find a Smith’s store, view your digital coupons, and much more!

The app is available on iPhone and Android networks.

Return policy:

Smith’s has also implemented a no hassle return policy If you’re not happy with it, they will take it back.

Online features:

The Smith’s website is full of information to help you manage your grocery shopping, and many other tasks. Features include:

• Digital coupons (which you can load directly onto your rewards card!)
• Online Recipes
• Recall alerts
• Much more!

Social media:

When you go to the Smith’s social media sites and ask a question, you will get a response back within 24 hours.

• Smith’s Facebook page
• Follow Smith’s on Twitter

If your Smith’s or Kroger store doesn’t have these features yet, watch for them! They will be coming soon!

I was not compensated financially for writing this review, and the opinions and views expressed are all my own.

Buy (2) Hefty One Zip Freezer or Storage Bags $1.49 each
Use the $1.50/2 coupon in the 11/11 RP
Get $0.50 per item when you buy 10 participating products
Final Cost $0.48 ($0.24 each)

Wholly Guacamole or Salsa $1.49
Use the $1.50/1 coupon here
Final Cost FREE (there is also a $1/1 coupon here)

all Laundry detergent $2.99
Use the $2/2 coupon in the 1/6 RP
Final Cost $1.99 each

DiGiorno Pizza $4.49
Use the Buy 2 DiGiorno Pizzas Get a free coupon here or in the 1/27 RP
Final Cost $8.98 ($2.99 each)

Hunt’s Tomatoes or RoTel $0.49
Use the $0.50/2 RoTel coupon in the 1/20 SS
Final Cost $0.24 each

Buy (2) Nabisco Snack Crackers $1.79
Use the $1/2 coupon here or in the 1/6 SS
Final Cost $1.29 each

Buy (4) Reach Floss $0.45 each
Use (2) $1/2 Reach Floss Coupons from here or in the 1/6 SS
Pay $0
Get back a $3 Catalina (when you buy 4)
Final Cost FREE + $3 money maker!

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OTHER GREAT DEALS:

Hormel Pepperoni, 3.5 oz $1.00
Use the $1/2 coupon in the 1/20 SS
OR use the $1/2 coupon here or  $1/2 coupon here Final Cost $0.50 each

Colgate Toothpaste, 4.6 oz $1.00
Use the $0.75/1 coupon in the 1/6 SS
Final Cost $0.25

I have never been a fan of swim suit shopping, but I loved the fun colors and patterns and we ended up trying on nearly every suit in the store. Swim tops were $19.95, swim bottoms were $11.95 and one piece suits were $24.95.

We ended up with two suits each and for the first time in a long time, I actually want to find an indoor pool.

You can shop online or there is an awesome Lime Ricki Swimwear store in Salt Lake:

10 Creepy, Disgusting Halloween Recipes

When it comes to Halloween treats, the more disgusting the better.

At least, according to my twins.  If it makes your stomach churn just looking at it, they’ll eat it.  Here’s 10 delightfully disgusting Halloween recipes.

1.  (pictured above) Bloody Bandaids, graham crackers, marzipan and cherry jelly.

2.  Jello Worms: so easy–pour Jello into straws, let set and squeeze out.

3.  Eyeball Cake Pops: click here for the recipe from Ashley Russell

4.  Eyeball Martinis: because why should the kids be the only ones eating something that’s looking at them?  Click here for the recipe from Foodista.

5.  Pastry Intestines: click here for the recipe from Knead 4 Speed.

6.  Meatloaf Hand: click here for the recipe from Not Martha.

7.  Witches Fingers: click here for the recipe from John Linn.

8.  Adam’s Ribs: glurg…click here for the recipe from “Better Homes & Gardens.”

9.  Shrunken Heads In Cider: click here for the recipe from Martha Stewart.

10.  Earwax On A Swab–Marshmallow Q-tips: this one almost made me throw up a little, so the twins will be so very, very happy.  Click here for the recipe from Saucy Sprinkles.

I read the ingredients label on a bag of microwaved popcorn yesterday.  That was a mistake.

Once you know what you’re putting into your (and your kid’s) body, it kind of makes you re-think some of the Bags Of Yellow Death, as The Todd calls them.  Here’s a wonderful tutorial on making homemade microwave popcorn–much cheaper and a trillion times healthier than the store bought stuff.  This tutorial comes to you courtesy of SquakFox.com

Homemade Microwave Popcorn:

Fold the bag over twice. Don’t use staples to secure the bag — this might spark in your microwave.

Step Three: Pop in microwave

Stick the popcorn bag into your microwave. I set mine for 3 minutes on high.

Hit the popcorn button on your microwave.  Thaaaat’s about it.

Popping Tip: Stop the microwave when the popping slows to one to two pops per second. You don’t want to burn your tasty snack.

Step Four: Add gourmet topping

A pinch of salt with a dab of butter is the most popular way to eat popcorn.

Try these toppings for some gourmet popcorn:

• Mexican: Add chili powder, hot sauce, and salt.
• Kiss My Breath: Shake in onion powder and garlic powder — hold the kiss.
• Cheese Please: Mix in Parmesan cheese with a little salt.
• Sweet Tooth: A dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sugar, and a topper of honey. Now that’s money.
• Classic: A shake of salt with a pat of butter.

PS: I know this looks like an engagement photo or something.  It’s the first one I could find.  But, he’s awfully cute, eh?

Obviously, I appreciate my dear spouse for many reasons, but the main one is his willingness to cook.  And he’s good at it!  And he (mostly) cleans the kitchen!  But even the most dedicated of cooks occasionally wants to put their head in the oven, simply because one can’t think of anything else to put in the oven.

Are you in that group?  Here’s some new, FREE cookbooks to get your creative juices flowing again.

Click above for 12 new ideas for chicken.

I have a girlfriend who loves Goldfish crackers.  Like, a little too much.  The Pepperidge Farm recipe for those little orange guys–and a whole bunch more–are in this name-brand recipe book.

“Southern Living” magazine has the most decadent cupcake recipes.  Get them free by clicking above.

Dieting can be incredibly depressing when you eat the same thing over and over again.  Try some new flavors by clicking above.

Um…this isn’t a cookbook.  But I love Nutty Delights and there’s a coupon so…click away.

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Behold the Awesome:

Pick up a year’s subscription to “Better Homes & Gardens” for a mere $4.29 by using the code:MYSAVINGS at checkout.  Click here to order.

The offer for a free issue of “Bridal Guide” magazine is still up–click here to order.

Pick up a free year’s subscription to “Working Mother” magazine by clicking here.

If you’ve got a hunter in the family, he’s likely feeling the Call of the Wild this Fall–click here for a free year’s digital subscription to “Hunter” magazine.

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Ever had the suspicion that you were far more entertaining than some of the podcasts you’ve been listening to?

Why not start your own?  There’s a new, FREE option for creating a podcast and broadcasting it–you can use it for your business, to share music and information, I set one up for my MacLeanie, who’s obsessed with Altoids tins and all the clever things he can do with them.

The system is called Spreaker, and it’s free to sign up.  Spreaker is an audio platform that allows anyone to create, broadcast, and share a personal live podcast across the Internet in a simple and accessible way. Click here to take a look–it was very user-friendly when I put together MacLean’s podcast.

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Behold the Awesome–Zulily has Melissa & Doug on sale again!

Pick up quality wooden toys and puzzles from Melissa & Doug for up to 70% off–these toys start at $10.99 by clicking here.  This sale is good through 9.27.12.

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Please.  I live in UTAH, Baby Capitol Of The World.  I have a closet filled with everything you can imagine, and most of it was free or nearly so.  Mind you, this doesn’t mean it’s junky stuff.  It’s all nice, high-quality things that an exhausted and sleep-deprived new Mommy would love.  Take a look and start your own gift stash–and even better: think about dropping some of these goods off at your local women and children’s shelter.

Oh, and Janelle?  I expect you to bookmark this post and use it.  You pilfer The Stash one more time and I’ll tell your husband about the Red Velvet Cake ice cream you have hidden in the basement freezer.

Carseat canopys are nice when you’re protecting baby from the elements, stray germs, dog’s noses, etc.  Order a FREE one from CarSeatCanopy.com (these retail for between $20-$35.00) by using the code: MYSAVINGS at checkout.  You’ll need to pay shipping, around $11.00.  Click here to look at the different styles and colors.

Magazine subscriptions are a wonderful thing, especially for new parents.  I usually buy the latest issue and wrap it with a note that a year’s subscription is on the way.  Click here to order a year’s subscription of “Working Mother” magazine.

All three of my babies lived in baby slings for the first year.  (Editor’s note: when I was desperate I used to sling both twins over my chest bandelero-style to get some housework done.)  Select a pretty baby sling FREE from SevenSlings.com by using the code: BABYSAVINGS at checkout.  You will need to pay shipping on the sling–about $11.00.  But, these slings usually run around $40.00, so it’s a good deal.  Click here to pick a style and order.

I’ve made pretty gift baskets with piles of free baby items and baby care samples and coupons.  EverydayFamily.com is excellent for sending a huge supply of baby goodies.  Click here to order.

MommyPage.com is another great resource for free goodies and supplies. Click here to input the due date and start the stream of baby swag.

Pick up a pretty nursing cover FREE from UdderCovers.com by using the code: BABYSAVINGS at checkout.  The covers retail between $40.00-$65.00, so this is good, but you will still need to pay shipping, around $11.00.  Click here to take a look at the styles and colors.

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